County carries a tune

It’s a celebration of music. A night to recognize artists and their achievements, including a Cleveland County native who pioneered banjo playing and music itself.

The late Earl Scruggs will be recognized tonight during the 55th Annual Grammys’ “In Memoriam,” a tribute to artists who passed away in 2012. Scruggs, who grew up as a poor boy in the Flint Hill community, transformed into a pioneer player of the banjo, creating his own three-finger style known by some as “Scruggs-style picking.”

Scruggs earned four Grammy awards between 1968 and 2004. His first award stemmed from his performance of Foggy Mountain Breakdown as a member of Flatt and Scruggs. The tune won for Best Country Performance, Duo or Group – Vocal or Instrumental in 1968.

His nephew, J.T. Scruggs, said his uncle thought the world of his Grammy wins.

“I sat in his living room, and he talked about winning the Grammys. He was very happy,” he said. “In the last six or seven years, I had a good time with Earl before his passing.”

Scruggs' history with the Grammys is rich, but the county's ties to the awards spans further.

And the Grammy goes to …

A Grammy tonight could belong to Rhett Walker Canipe, a Shelby native who earned his first Grammy nomination this year in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Song category. Walker learned of his first single’s nomination, "When Mercy Found Me," in January. He’ll compete alongside other famed Christian artists for the award, including Casting Crowns, Matt Redman and Israel and New Breed.

Walker will be performing in Lexington, Ky., during the awards show.

Patty Loveless, who once worked in Shelby, earned two Grammy awards during her singing career. Her first win came in 1998 in the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "Same Old Train," which included many artists such as musician/actor Dwight Yoakam, Earl Scruggs, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs and Randy Travis. Her second win came two years later for "Best Bluegrass Album" titled Mountain Soul II, according to the Grammys website.

Guitarist Trey Hill, from Shelby, was a former member of Grammy nominated band SONICFLOOd. Many call the band "The Fathers of Modern Worship Music" who have been around for around 10 years. Hill also has been a guitarist for country music artist and former American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler.

County on the music map

The Don Gibson Theatre has hosted a variety of Grammy-recognized artists since its opening in 2009.

“This goes to show what kind of talent we try to bring in and appeal to our customer base,” said Stan Lowery, theatre executive director. “It seems to me nowadays, artists are going to the smaller venues to make it more personable… feel the people and the vibe from folks.”

Page 2 of 2 - The theatre’s namesake, Don Gibson, recorded songs that gained more fame through Grammy winners such as Elvis Presley, Neil Young and Ronnie Milsap. The late Ray Charles earned a Grammy win in 1962 for his rendition of Gibson’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” according to the Grammys website.

Grammy acts bring shows here

-Eight-time Grammy winner Asleep at the Wheel performed at Don Gibson Theatre

-Country artist Marty Stuart, who has earned five Grammys, one for a collaboration that included Earl Scruggs, and Travis Tritt, performed at Gibson

-Ronnie Dunn, former member of country duo Brooks & Dunn, and Christian group MercyMe performed during the American Legion World Series concerts in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

-Shelby Lynne performed at Gibson

-Richard Marx, singer/songwriter who earned the award in 2003 for Song of The Year as a songwriter on Luther Vandross’ “Dance with My Father" performed at Gibson

-Ricky Skaggs, a 13-time Grammy winner, performed at Gibson

-Previous Gibson Theatre performer Shemekia Copeland earned a nomination this year in the Best Blues Album category for “33 1/3.”

Right on time

Country group The Time Jumpers are nominated for two categories this year: Best Country Album of the Year for its self-titled release, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance “On the Outskirts of Town.” The 11-member group, including Vince Gill, is scheduled to perform for a sold out crowd at the Don Gibson tonight at 8 p.m.

Your ticket to the big show

The 55th Grammys awards show will only air on CBS at 8 p.m. tonight. Check with your local cable provider for a channel listing.